LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA. (September 26, 2008) -- Fate is a funny thing. One chance encounter and your whole life can change. That’s exactly what happened to sophomore runner Tarem “Gecko” Cannonier as a student at Woodland High School.
One day, Cannonier ran into head track and field coach James Bell. The coach challenged the youngster to a race with one of his runners. If Cannonier won, he would get money as a reward. He would not be victorious, but that race put a lasting impression on the kid from Greenberg, PA who enjoyed soccer.
In running, he saw a bright future. The challenge from Bell also proved to be important once Cannonier graduated from Woodland. After starting his running career slow, his skills blossomed as a junior.
“I started in the ninth grade, but it was nothing,” says Cannonier. “Junior year, I was on a winning streak and I won every 400 event for the entire year up until my senior year when I went to states.”
Following a stellar high school career, the high school senior set his sights on the next level. Once again, the man who once challenged him stepped in. Bell, who was once a student at Lincoln University, helped to steer his star runner to enroll in the highly regarded school.
Upon enrolling at Lincoln, another run in with a coach influenced Cannonier early on. Hall of Fame track and field coach Cyrus Jones suggested that the freshman run cross country. He was already set on running the 400 and 800 in the winter and spring but figured the added activity could only improve his performance.
“I wanted to get in shape for track and field,” explains the 5-ll Cannonier. “Coach Jones told me that if I just ran, it would get me stronger.”
The advice from Jones proved to be worthwhile as Cannonier would go on to enjoy a great first indoor season that included a personal record in the 400. After starting strong in the spring, an injury sidelined him for much of the season. After a summer of rehab and relaxation, Cannonier has started strong in his second season.
“The first meet went well,” Cannonier said. “I basically tried to keep “Blizzard” (Vincent Thomas) in eye sight. I realized his pace was real fast so I kept up with him at the second meet. I kept up with him the entire race until the end and I pulled it off.”
The first meet that Cannonier mentions was at Wilmington University in which he placed 47th with a time of 33:16.53. This was followed up by a top five finish along with Thomas at Virginia State. Cannonier’s fourth-place finish helped the Lions win the meet after beating the host team Virginia State 45-46. This is this kind of leadership that he takes pride in.
“I just want to try and be a leader for the freshmen that come in,” says Cannonier. “We’re just trying to do our best.”
Early on in his college career, Cannonier has learned a lot about himself on and off the track. This should serve him well as he aspires to reach the highest levels of running.
“I see myself as a leader,” Cannonier states. “It (running) keeps you disciplined. I know I have it in me already. All I have to do is stay focused. Once I get focused, it’s like everything else just comes right along.”
For the health science major, education is a major focus before he even steps onto the race track. He feels that by being a student-athlete, it helps in the educational development.
“Grades are a very important factor,” explains Cannonier. “Being an athlete keeps you focused on and off the track because you have to keep your G.P.A. up. That way you are a good student and you can participate in your sport.”
Cannonier lives what he preaches by taking his education in health science seriously. If in fact he does not turn out to be the next great track star, he has dreams of being a physical therapist. Which ever road he picks, nothing will get him off track.
“I am a person that just has a goal,” explains a reflective Cannonier. “A person that does what they need to do to get where they need to be.”
--LU--